To turn into the wind and set sails to stop or gain control in heavy weather. In practice a sailing vessel will reduce sail, back a foresail, sheet in an after sail and secure the helm to weather. A power vessel would turn into the seas and apply just enough power to maintain position. (Thanks to John Wade)
See Also:
lay to, lay by, luff up
Term:
sheave (pron: shiv) (n)
Definition:
The rotating wheel inside a block or pulley.
Term:
heave to (interjection)
Definition:
An order from a law enforcement vessel commanding a ship to stop, as in: "Heave to and prepare to be boarded!"
